Customer Reviews

Unlikely Liberators: The Men of the 100th and 442nd

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A very thorough and well-researched book on a heroic group of young Americans facing adversity at home and on the battlefield. The author skews the book more toward the Hawaiian Nisei in general, and the 100th Battalion in particular, than the mainland Nisei. Still, this is a must-have if you want to learn more about this chapter in our nation's history.

First, a little background information. The 442 Regimental Combat Team was the most highly decorated unit of its size in the United States Army. The 442, when at maximum strength had about 5,000 men. During the two years 1943-45 they earned 9,486 Purple Hearts, the medal given when a soldier is wounded. After the war most Army units were de-activated as the army was reduced in size. Only the most famous unit names are retained. The 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry is still active.

This book is a carefully researched story of the men, boys in age but men full grown in deed, who made up first the 100th Battalion and later the 442nd RCT. The author is Japanese born and educated. It was first written as a series of articles for the leading Japanese monthly magazine. Now it has been expanded for an American aucience. Her interest, indeed her fascination comes from an interest in comparing the Japanese and American cultures.

Remember also that the Japanese-Americans from the West Coast were sent to concentration camps. In 1943, the War Department in need of manpower sent recruiters to the relocation camps asking for volunteers to form a new Japanese American combat unit the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Ms. Duus has done a supurb job telling their story.

Found this book to be very easy to read and enjoy. The stories about the men involved with the 442nd show what group and individual courage is, and how important it is to remember what your relatives had to endure for our freendom.

Found this book very easy to read and enjoy. Side stories about the men involved in the 442nd keeps learning about them a joy to read. Been trying to expand my collection of books about these men and found this book to very enjoyable to read and use as an inspiration.